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Friday, October 2, 2009

Blogger's Quilt Festival 2009

OK, so I am a little late to the party, but I couldn't miss Amy's 2nd annual Blogger's Quilt Festival, hosted on her ParkCityGirl blog! Truth is, I've been traveling like a madman for work lately, and haven't had much time for sewing, stitching, blogging, Flickr-ing, and the like. However, I am very excited to share a quilt that I recently finished and would like to highlight for the festival!

Now, for the story:

A few weeks back, Mrs. Quilt Dad and I were enjoying a late breakfast on a Sunday morning and catching up on both the week past and the week to come (which we often don't get to do during the hectic weeks themselves!) My wife was scheduled to attend a cousin's baby shower the following Sunday, and she began to express how nice it would be to give her cousin something homemade as a gift ...

You can see where this is going, can't you?

I had 6 days to make a baby quilt, from start to finish, amidst the many other life demands over the course of the week. But of course, I was up for the challenge. Especially because a baby quilt gave me the perfect opportunity to play with "Hushabye" by Tula Pink!

The pattern itself is nothing too advanced -- I had two charm packs and just had to supplement them with some border, binding, and backing fabrics.

As many of you have so astutely noted, I tend to avoid working on -- and especially finishing -- large-sized quilts. I free-motion quilted this one -- with only one pucker! -- and bound it in one evening. Even I couldn't believe how much the speed at which I'm able to bind has improved!

So the reason why this quilt is so special to me and why I've decided to highlight it for the festival is that I feel that it truly represents just how far I've come in my skills and abilities over the last year. True, I spend a lot of my time working on blocks and smaller projects, but this quilt has proven to me that I can make a quilt, soup to nuts, when I want to.

Oh, and the mom-to-be loved it ... what more can I ask for?

Be sure to check out all of the other wonderful quilts and bloggers highlighted on Amy's blog -- there are over 500 links and counting! WOW!! And be sure to thank Amy for all of her hard work while you're there.

wow! you made this beauty in 6 days!? that's so amazing! you are so talented and this baby quilt is such a gem! I love the hushabye fabrics and the lovely quilting and the binding is perfect! you rock!

Beautiful quilt! I recently finished my first quilt top and am ready to actually quilt it but I'm very hesitant about it. I'm sure there are a ton of tips out there, but what do you suggest for a first quilt?

"soup to nuts"? Never heard that one. That's nice to have a project that pulls helps you realize how far you've come. I was just binding last night and while I didn't finish, I, too, was amazed at how much faster I have become!

Love your quilt and you blog...I have been reading it for a few months now, and you have great ideas and awesome tutorials...I am so happy to have discovered how fun the log cabin can be! Thanks so much!

There is great joy in starting and finishing a project in record time without any major hitches. One pucker aside, this is a gorgeous quilt and is sure to be cherished. Thanks for sharing your quilt's story.

Hey Quilt Dad! I love to read your blog and admire your projects. I have a suggestion for you. I may be a little late but if you haven't heard of Craft Hope before you should check it out. Their current project is making quilts for the homeless children in the Grand Rapids area. I just recently got involved and started with the last project. It is always rewarding to help others in need out and I look forward to making a quilt for them! Have a great day!